Officials suspect some cases of arson. In Alabama, the governor is offering an award for information about anyone who purposely set fires. A severe drought has increased the risk posed by blazes.

(Image credit: NOAA/NASA)

]]>Rebecca HersherMuch Of The Southeast U.S. Is Grappling With DroughtMonths of severe drought are causing water shortages and wildfires, particularly in Alabama and Georgia. The USDA has designated part of Georgia a disaster area for farmers.Thu, 10 Nov 2016 14:54:00 -0500http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/10/501568892/much-of-the-southeast-u-s-is-grappling-with-drought?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=georgiadrought
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Months of severe drought are causing water shortages and wildfires, particularly in Alabama and Georgia. The USDA has designated part of Georgia a disaster area for farmers.

(Image credit: Brynn Anderson/AP)

]]>Rebecca HersherHow Hot Was It? July Was Warmest Month On Record For U.S.There's never been a hotter month in records going back to 1895. The average temperature across the lower 48 states was 77.6 degrees.Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:17:00 -0400http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/08/08/158425723/how-hot-was-it-july-was-warmest-month-on-record-for-u-s?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=georgiadrought
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There's never been a hotter month in records going back to 1895. The average temperature across the lower 48 states was 77.6 degrees.